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Job Description Summary

Research Specialist A/B
An experienced technician is needed for independent project management in our laboratory. We are focused on the molecular biology and genetics of liver diseases. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree-level understanding of the fundamentals of liver biology and liver disease. The technician will be able to work independently to perform, troubleshoot, and innovate approaches to complex lab procedures including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining on animal sections, microscopy including bright field and fluorescence. They should also be capable of performing molecular biology techniques such as RNA and DNA extraction, cloning of plasmid vectors, quantitative PCR, and library preparation of samples for high throughput sequencing. Live mouse laboratory work will include rearing and care, including setting up of matings and techniques including performing intraperitoneal injections and gavage. The employee is expected is required to do very skilled work, and we expect the employee to perform highly varied, complex techniques. The work will include completing multi-step molecular biology and histology protocols that take several days, and will use of a wide variety of instruments including PCR machines, and microscopes. The applicant is expected to learn quickly, be creative in solving problems, and have excellent work ethic. Ideal candidates will have a publication record, but this is not required. There will be opportunities to co-author publications in the lab.

Job Description

Research Specialist A

20% Histological staining – Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining

20% Mouse work – Weighing mice, intra-peritoneal injections, tail vein injections, oral gavage, mouse breeding, genotyping

15% Microscopy – taking images with the fluorescence and brightfield microscopes in the labs.

20% Molecular biology techniques – cloning vectors, preparation of DNA, RNA, running electrophoresis gels, preparing and sending samples for sequencing, etc.

15% Additional techniques as assigned – eg. Independent reading, preparing standard operating procedures for the lab, lab ordering and management, preparation of lab presentations, lab chores, etc.

5% Data abstraction, redaction, entry into electronic databases and query resolution

5% Perform additional duties as assigned

Research Specialist B

In addition to the above, the Research Specialist B will be required to work Semi-independent manner with close guidance from the PI, accomplishing most tasks on his or her own, ordering lab supplies, and maintaining lab regulatory approvals. Other expectations of this position include attending and presenting data during lab meetings and assisting other members of the lab as needed Position is contingent upon funding.

Research Specialist A - Minimum of Bachelor’s degree and 0 to 1 year of applied laboratory experience is required for this position. Effective problem solving capabilities.  Ability to multitask.  Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team or independently.  A peer-reviewed publication record and experience with public presentations of research is desired. The candidate should have some knowledge of liver biology, liver diseases, standard molecular biology procedures, e.g. PCR, RNA and DNA extraction, histological staining, gel electrophoresis, microscopy.  Also, the ideal candidate has experience working with live mice or other laboratory animals.

Research Specialist B Minimum of Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of applied laboratory experience is required for this position. Effective problem solving capabilities.  Ability to multitask.  Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team or independently.  A peer-reviewed publication record and experience with public presentations of research is desired. The candidate should have some knowledge of liver biology, liver diseases, standard molecular biology procedures, e.g. PCR, RNA and DNA extraction, histological staining, gel electrophoresis, microscopy.  Also, the ideal candidate has experience working with live mice or other laboratory animals.

Contingent Upon Funding

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$36,401.00 - $65,521.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.